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Can pet pigs make you sick?

Author

Sarah Smith

Published Jan 25, 2026

Sick pigs can pass on zoonotic diseases to humans, which can include the skin condition erysipeloid and the bacterium Streptococcus suis, which can lead to illness including meningitis and deafness in humans.

What diseases can humans get from pet pigs?

The diseases associated with swine include ringworm, erysipelas, leptospirosis, streptococcosis, campylobacterosis, salmonellosis, cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis, balantidiasis, influenza, infection with pathogenic E. coli, and brucellosis.

Can you get sick from pet pigs?

"Animals can transmit disease to people, but pigs are no more dangerous than any other kind of livestock." Pigs can carry ringworm or bacteria that cause intestinal illnesses in humans. Families with young children should practice good hand washing, according to Blackmore.

Can pig poop make you sick?

It is important to thoroughly wash hands after contact with pigs or their fecal material to avoid infection with diseases that can be spread via fecal-oral contact. Campylobacteriosis is an infection of the intestines caused by a bacterium called Campylobacter.

Why you shouldn't have a pig as a pet?

Pigs are not ideal pets for everyone because they are so time consuming. They require attention, love, and training. Pigs train their human parents way before people start training their pet pigs. But please don't think that your pig is the odd ball because he or she doesn't want to lay down and snuggle with you.

22 related questions found

Do you have to walk a pet pig?

Q. Do pigs need to go out for walks? A. No, a healthy balanced diet designed to avoid obesity is far more important for your pigs wellbeing.

Do pigs cuddle with humans?

Pigs may cuddle up to take a nap, or cuddle to get attention. They will also cuddle with their humans if they have a trusting and comfortable relationship.

What are the common diseases of pigs?

Learn the symptoms, treatments and preventative measures for the six most common pig diseases, including coccidiosis, swine dysentery and porcine parvovirus.

  • 1 Exudative dermatitis (greasy pig) ...
  • 2 Coccidiosis. ...
  • 3 Respiratory diseases. ...
  • 4 Swine dysentery. ...
  • 5 Mastitis. ...
  • 6 Porcine parvovirus.

Do pigs carry STDS?

They are responsible for a broad range of diseases in animals and humans. In pigs, Chlamydia suis, Chlamydia abortus, Chlamydia pecorum and Chlamydia psittaci have been isolated.

Can humans get e coli from pigs?

The germs can quickly contaminate the animals' skin, fur, feathers, and the areas where they live and roam. Animals can appear healthy and clean but can spread E. coli O157 to humans or other animals.

Can you get sick from a baby pig?

Sick pigs can pass on zoonotic diseases to humans, which can include the skin condition erysipeloid and the bacterium Streptococcus suis, which can lead to illness including meningitis and deafness in humans.

Are pigs a good house pet?

Potbellied pigs (PBP's) make good companions, but only for the right caregiver. On the plus side, pigs are smart, clean, generally non-allergenic, odor-free, flea-free, charming and inexpensive to feed. Pigs are social, bonding easily with humans. They'll readily roll over for a tummy rub, as well as snuggle with you.

Is pig poop toxic to dogs?

In most cases, it won't cause any serious problems but you should be cautious if the pigs have been dewormed recently as many livestock dewormers are toxic to dogs and may still be present in the feces.

Do pigs have chlamydia?

Chlamydia is one of a number of common bacterial infections that can occur in pigs without any visible clinical signs. Chlamydiae are Gram-negative, intracellular eubacteria that live inside or on the surface of a host cell which, like viruses, are obligatory parasites.

How many diseases does pork carry?

What the numbers reveal. The 288 outbreaks attributed to pork between 1998 and 2015 resulted in 6,372 illnesses, 443 hospitalizations, and four deaths. Salmonella was found to be the most common pathogen linked to pork outbreaks.

What does a sick pig look like?

Gaunt and lacking energy, melancholy appearance (listlessness), drooping eyes with discharge. Rough, messy or standing hair. Skin color changes to pale, blue or red in white pigs. Dry snout, sometimes with cracks.

What is the most common cause of sickness illness of pigs?

Pseudorabies. Pseudorabies (also known as Aujeszky's disease or "mad itch") is a viral disease most prevalent in swine, often causing newborn piglets to die.

How do you gain a pig's trust?

Over time your piglet will bond with you and they will eventually trust that you are not going to hurt them. Once your pig is used to being handled and scratched, try to entice them to sit in your lap. If your piglet has a favorite blanket you can put it on your lap and encourage your baby pig to lie in your lap.

Are pigs protective of their owners?

Yes, pigs can be protective of their owners. They are herd animals, and therefore have a herd mentality and can recognize their owners and form close bonds with them. Pigs can also become wary of strangers.

Do pigs wag tails when happy?

Pigs wag their tails just like dogs do when they're happy. And they're always happy at meal times.

Can pigs sleep in your bed?

Yes, pigs can sleep in your bed. However, if you choose to let your pig sleep in your bed, it is important that they are an indoor pet. Outdoor pigs can carry bacteria that can cause intestinal illness to humans and are notorious for carrying ringworm.

Do pigs bite?

Pigs can charge, bite and run over humans as well as other household pets. Pigs with tusks may gore the object of their aggression. You should immediately take measures to protect the more vulnerable members of your household from your aggressive pig.

How long do pigs live as pets?

A pig will live an average of 12-18 years, estimates range to more than 20 years. Considered grown by 6 years of age, and usually weigh 125 pounds or more. In non-breeding adults, feed about 1/2 cup of maintenance food per 25 pounds of the pig's weight, split into 2 meals per day.

Can pigs and dogs be friends?

Surprisingly, a house pig can get along great in a family that includes dogs. However, to be on the safe side, the Pig Placement Network recommends that dogs and pigs should always be supervised together.